There is a real controversy surrounding the unofficial sites authorised to grant or refuse official AVE authorisation for your arrival in Canada. They are accused of taking advantage of a legal loophole to overcharge for their services. The price of the AVE via the official website is 7 CAN$, and unchanging. Is this really a scam?
Advantages of using an intermediary agency
- Valid documents issued
EVAs are issued by the Canadian authorities and can be easily checked with them. - Respect for passenger data
Most agencies have strict data retention rules. Once your AVE has been issued, your data is deleted. - A check on the content of the application, with a comparison of passports
To maximise your chances of entering Canada, the agencies compare your declaration with the copy of your passport. An extra number, a letter mistaken for a number - the devil is in the detail. - Genuine customer service and pre- and post-sales advice
Agencies offer real support and guide travellers in filling in forms or choosing the right document. Sometimes they even provide good travel advice. - A simplified, translated and practical form
The authorities' form is long, sometimes ambiguous and has too many options that complicate submission. Agencies cut to the chase and dispense with optional fields. - A refund in the event of refusal
If the authorities refuse to issue you with a travel authorisation, we will refund your consular fees and our service charges in full, without discussion, in accordance with our refund policy. - A cost of service that offers good value for money
For 5 € of consular fees per person (excluding intermediary fees), our agency makes sure that you can forget about the hassle of submitting an AVE application for Canada as quickly as possible.
Disadvantages
- Many agencies are present on the Internet
Just type "AVE Canada" into Google to see the results that come up. The choice is overwhelming. Favour sites with clear legal notices and a price displayed from the outset. The service provider should be easily identifiable. - Services are priced freely
The authorities cannot afford to involve a private operator in this kind of process. Intermediaries providing advice on obtaining visas are therefore free to accompany you, at whatever price they wish. The only requirement is that they clearly display the price of their service. - The final rate is higher
Obviously, an agency's rate is a little higher. The difference between the 7 CAN$ and the price you paid represents their margin. - Sometimes it takes longer
In order to compare the data entered with the passport, the agencies take a lot of human time, which can sometimes be extended during peak tourist periods. It's all a question of a few extra hours.
Don't hesitate to start your AVE application here simplified form.
An agency service 